The Excavation was a island, only surfacing in the lowest tide, for two weeks every year (one year in Dorumaa lasted 8,784 standard days). One research expedition before 47 BBY discovered supposed writings in the wall of a conjecturally-artificial cave, as well as several presumed proofs of an intelligent, native culture in the moon predating the colonization of the system. Soon afterwards, the Dorumaa Investment Group closed the Excavation to any civil affair, refused to allow any further resarch and built a floating landing platform.